Microsoft schedules phaseout for Windows 7 support

Microsoft has updated the list of products for which it will end support in the near future, which now includes Windows 7. 'Mainstream Support' for the operating system will end on January 13, 2015, although security updates will still be available until 2020.

Microsoft has updated the list of products for which it will end support in the near future, which now includes Windows 7. 'Mainstream Support' for the operating system will end on January 13, 2015, although security updates will still be available until 2020.

From January 13, 2015, users of all versions of Windows 7 (Starter, Home Basic, Home Premium, Ultimate and Enterprise) will be covered by an Extended Support program, meaning that security updates and patches will provided at no extra charge.

However, Microsoft will no longer actively develop new features and enhancements for the operating system, and there will be no Windows 7 Service Pack 2.

The operating system will thus remain unchanged but protected through updates for (at least) five years to come, as Microsoft always has the possibility to further delay the end of Extended Support beyond the current end date of January 2020.